A gripping read that kept me guessing, it was also a complete page turner and one I read very quickly. Couldn't put it down! Highly recommended . Five Stars.

I couldn’t I wait to start reading The Invite, and was hooked just from reading the synopsis, but even more so by the time I was on the second chapter. As you would now expect from Sheryl Browne, this book has enough twists and turns to put me in a neck brace for a week. I simply could not get enough of the story, and as with quality books like this, I wanted to race through for the answers, but didn’t want it to end too quickly. I’m such a cynic that Kaitlin’s perfect engagement to an apparently perfect man to build their perfect family was, for me, doomed from the outset. But then again, I didn’t come for the romance. I came for the nail biting tension of a thriller. This book delivers tension in spades.

The characters were well written with a good amount of development throughout. I did really like and felt empathy for Kaitlin. She became so uncertain of the truth and how to protect Ruby, while worrying about her friend Zoe. But, she became more and held things together and evolved into a stronger woman. It was good that her family were so supportive, particularly her father.

There are certain words used to describe books. Unputdownable is one of the words that I’m not keen on. But, it describes this book perfectly! What you get is a compelling story that piles on heaps of tension with a not overly fast pace, making it a pleasure to read. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a great thriller that will end up in your top twenty reads of 2022. I gave The Invite, by Sheryl Browne, five stars.

The Invite by Sheryl Browne is one of those psych thrillers where the reader thinks the plot is going in one direction but then it goes in seven others.
So, paying attention from the beginning is an absolute must. Blink, and you may totally miss an important event or twist.
Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I had to concentrate this much on a psych thriller. Not that I am complaining – I love that it was NOT cookie cutter or the same ol’ thing.
The Invite is definitely a unique entry in the genre.
Kaitlin is part of a whirlwind romance with Greg. When her BFF Zoe shows up at Kait’s birthday party, she warns Kait to not get carried away.
And then, as the blurb says, Zoe disappears.
What follows is a convoluted but very well-plotted story of revenge, payback, jealousy…and just a touch of psychosis from more than one character.
The beginning of the book, when the foundation is laid, is a little slow and feels uneven. But as the story progresses, it becomes obvious that those basics are very important.
Honestly, this is another one of those that if I mention one little thing, I run the risk of giving away a plot point.
And if ever there was a time that you want to experience the story on your own…this is it.
Kaitlin is a sympathetic main character. She is realistic and it is easy to go along with her emotions. Especially as she starts to question who is telling the truth and who she can trust.
The two are not mutually exclusive either.
The Invite could also be described as a roller coaster type of psych thriller…slow build-up into a second half full of twists and loops speeding to the end. Which you will not expect.
I hope I did this book justice without giving any plot points away. Sheryl Browne has done it again – The Invite is a must-read psych thriller.

I found this book a little hard to get into and also a few times I got a bit lost with the story line, at one point I was a little confused as to who was who and I lost track of what was going on. I did like the story and the twist and turns of it though. It was very fast pacing and the bits I like kept me gripped.

I devoured this book in one sitting and the drama and twists made me enjoy it a lot. I wanted to know if Kaitlin’s fiancé, Greg was the one who made Zoe disappear and what actually happened.
With each chapter , more scenes and pieces of this puzzle are unveiled and while I personally couldn’t keep any side on these characters, I found them intriguing and their actions on point many times.

A very enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Well paced with very well developed characters.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of The Invite from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Prepare yourself -- This is very fast-paced read that was pulls your right in and won't let you put it down. It was very entertaining and you will finish it in a day. Can't wait to talk to all my friends about this one as it is that good!

Thrilling. Tense. Packed full of twists. This was a rollercoaster of a book. Addictive. Absorbing. I absolutely enjoyed this one.

Kaitlyn’s daughter, Ruby, is 5-years-old. The child’s father, Sean, is not on the scene as his bullying of Kaitlyn is quite bad.

Kaitlyn recently met Greg and now she is pregnant and they are living together. Kaitlyn’s best friend, Zoe, has been living in Portugal but is returning to England for Kaitlyn’s birthday party. They are so excited to see one another again, but they get into an argument because Zoe thinks there is something about Greg that doesn’t seem right. That’s when Zoe flees out into the cold, rainy night. Greg offers to go after her and see if he can get her to come back inside. But, he has no luck finding her. What could have happened to her friend and why doesn’t she trust Greg?

I’ve read several other books by this author and all had something in the writing that did not seem right. I found the same thing with this book. Kaitlyn’s judgement when it comes to men is pretty awful. She is also an emotional wreck and rather a twit. I did not like her character. When others appear on the scene, things become quite complicated with the story making enough twists and turns to challenge any roller coaster. Of course, we have Kaitlyn’s loving parents who step in and seem to spend a lot of their time shoring up their daughter and caring for their precocious granddaughter. I felt like I had to stop and reread certain areas of the book to make sure I didn’t read it wrong. An OK read but a bit of an eye roller as well.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

An intricate thriller in which several subplots converge to make this who-dun-it intriguing to the end.

Kaitlin invites her best friend, Zoe, to her engagement party so that Zoe could meet Kaitlin’s fiancé, Greg. Much to Kaitlin’s surprise, the two have an instant dislike of one another and seem to be struggling for the affection of Kaitlin. After Zoe storms out of the party and then disappears, Kaitlin can’t help but wonder about Greg’s involvement since he went after her that night. Several integral relationships that could influence the investigation arise as the story unfolds.

The plot is good, the characters relatable. The only downside is the many names become confusing in the second half of the book. Even with this noted, the book is worth reading and will be surprising.


I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

There are multiple twists in this domestic suspense. Kaitlin’s partner has organised a spectacular party for her birthday, she should be happy, but her previous controlling relationship with another partner has left her wary. Zoe is devastated and humiliated when her latest relationship ends. She isn’t in the party mood, but Kaitlin is her best friend, and she’s never let her down.

The suspense builds from Zoe and Greg’s first encounter, but the multiple suspects and plot twist keeps you guessing. Told from various viewpoints, many of the protagonists are unreliable, adding to the story’s unpredictability. The underlying ethos is poignant, and the ending is impactful.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Kaitlin's first marriage had been pretty disastrous. The only good thing to come out of it was her daughter Ruby. She was swept off her feet when she met Greg. He seemed everything Sean wasn't & he was fantastic with Ruby. He arranged a big party for her birthday & she was delighted when her best friend Zoe says she is coming to it from Portugal where she has been living & working. She can't wait for the two people she loves best to meet. However things do not got to plan! It seems like hate at first start & when Zoe asks her if she isn't rushing into things they have a row . After Zoe has gulped a quantity of wine she has a heated conversation with Greg storms off. Kaitlin expects to hear from Zoe but the next news of her is when the police arrive & tell her that Zoe is missing. They also want to talk to Greg. In a few short days Kaitlin's life is turned up-side down.

This was a good absorbing read with numerous false trails & suspicions I couldn't wait to find out the truth. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

A harsh set of words caused a chasm between two best friends when the one who left the party disappeared. With multiple POVs, I was confused, as I had the cops putting in their two cents and the story of their lives along with the main character, Kaitlin and her fiancé. The plot line was convoluted with many twists adding to the fun. Some I could predict, others made me gasp. Quite slow and the prose was not gripping enough for me, though it improved down the pages. 
Many subplots and characters added to the pot and caused me to stew about it.
Maybe it was deliberate to give a feeling of murkiness to the story. 
Unlikable characters with a naive main character. What more could I say about it?
The ending was rushed. I wished it too received careful treatment as the rest of the story. 
Overall an entertaining read

The Invite is a gripping thriller that weaves together a number of different stories and threads. Zoe has returned home from Portugal after being betrayed by the man she thought loved her. Then she goes missing. Her friend Kaitlin is worried about what has happened, but as things unfold, it's clear that it's not only the people in Zoe's life who have been lying and perhaps Kaitlin is in as much danger as her friend.

I enjoyed this read and although I guessed a few things that happened, I wasn't really sure where it was all going to go. Both Zoe and Kaitlin seem to have had terrible luck with the men that they have been involved with and their life in general. I did feel that at points the plot does seem to jump a little and it took me a second to catch up, but that didn't really detract and the pace of this book worked really well. Overall it was a great read and one that I would recommend.

I’m really sorry to say this but o couldn’t quite get into this book.

Nothing against the author but just wasn’t feeling it

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Sheryl Browne books. This one was fun and entertaining, although some of the characters were rather silly and the plot predictable. Still a recommended read.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Invite' by Sheryl Browne.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sheryl Browne, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 22nd February 2022.

This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husbands Girlfriend' and 'The Liar's Child' which I highly recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'The Invite is an absolutely unmissable psychological thriller, perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife. You’ll be hooked from the first page! .' I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' and 'The Wife' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Sheryl and if this is half as good as 'My Husband's Girlfriend' and 'The Liar's Child' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists a prologue, 63 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Worcestershire, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.


This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Kaitlin Chalmer, Zoe Weller, Sally, Adam Diaz, Kyle Roberts, Richard, Daniel and Jessica. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

'The Invite' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sheryl discusses/includes depression and abuse.

Wow!!! What did I just read!!! What a twist and a half fairplay, I most certainly was NOT expecting that!!! Anyway, we shall return to that!!! This book is extremely well written and completely drew me in from start to end. The synopsis, title and cover worked perfectly with the storyline.

The storyline was extremely compelling and I was completely addicted from beginning to end. I started it this morning and finished it in a day!! It was filled with mysteries, twists and surprises and had me completely absorbed throughout. It was filled with suspense, family, lies, romance, twists, heartbreak, deceit and shocks!! It had me on tenterhooks on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to get to the truth. I absolutely loved how it completely shocked me at the end!! There's not much worse in a book than when you have already figured out what is going on by 50%!! I love that the fact that Sheryl has done her research shined through. One of my pet hates is when an authour picks a subject to include in their novel but hasn't done any research, it litters the books with mistakes and errors and it can spoil a storyline. This book is not only an epic psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that I would have never expected all the way to the end but it is also quite sad and heartbreaking when it comes to the reasons certain people were the way they were. I would love to see this book turned into what would promise to be a massive hit movie!!

The characters were vivid, realistic, unique and very compelling. Throughout the book I liked, disliked and questioned most of the main characters unsure of who was to blame and who was doing what wrong and right. After I had done all that I was still wrong!!! Throughout the book I flicked from feeling sorry for either Greg, Jessica, Zoe or even Daniel and then by the next chapter I thought that same character seriously needed help or were just horrific. I became suspect of them all including Adam and Sally. I felt the book ended perfectly the way it did and everything was explained with no loose ends, another pet hate of mine. I had the most sympathy for a certain character and although I won't say who as I don't want to spoil it for future readers it really does go to show how your past can affect your future. I also had sympathy for Kaitlin who just wanted to find happiness but was getting ambushed every direction she faced and feeling she was never going to be happy. I think this is true of many people at certain points of their lives and Sheryl portrays the feelings perfectky. Well done Sheryl!!! The perfect eclectic mix of strong and realistic characters came together to make this book a real page turner!!!

This book would make a truly captivating movie which I would love to see and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sheryl. Congratulations Sheryl on yet another amazing read!!! Here's to your next success 🥂

This is exactly why Sheryl is one of my favourite authors. I love every book yet she still manages to make them better and better which is not an easy feat!!

Overall a page turning, gripping and addictive psychological thriller that will shock you at times and break your heart on others!!


Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Noir Fiction, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Gone Girl' , Shalini Boland, 'The Girl On The Train', 'The Wife', Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for an explosive novel with a bombshell twist!!!


331 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Kaitlin and Zoe had been best friends since they had met at sixth form college,supporting each other through the various trials and tribulations of their respective lives. It had been Zoe who had encouraged Kaitlin into finding the strength of character and courage to finally leave her abusive ex husband Sean. Due to life commitments,the friends hadn't communicated for a while but now Zoe was returning to the UK from Portugal to attend Kaitlin's lavish birthday and Kaitlin couldn't wait to introduce her best friend to her handsome fiance Greg. A man who was the polar opposite to obnoxious Sean, did everything in his power to make Kaitlin feel happy, safe and secure and treated her five year old daughter Ruby as if she was his biological daughter. But, the friend's reunion doesn't go as well as Kaitlin hoped it would and things take a even stranger turn when Kaitlin introduces Zoe to Greg. Why did Zoe appear to take a instant dislike to Greg? Why had Greg suddenly started to act strangely and so out of character?

Suddenly, what should have been a joyous and happy occasion was clouded with a atmosphere filled with tension and suspicion. Then, after a heated argument, a visibly upset Zoe storms off into the night and mysteriously disappears.

As the police start digging into Zoe's life, Kaitlin finds herself overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and remorse over what had been said on that fateful night. She also struggles to shake her doubts and suspicions about Greg's reaction when he saw Zoe.

What had happened to her best friend after she ran off into the stormy night? Was Greg somehow involved in Zoe's disappearance? Could he really be trusted or had Kaitlin and her young daughter jumped out of the frying pan and into a hot raging fire?

The vast majority of this thriller/police procedural is narrated from the perspective of Kaitlin, a complex character who lived with a number of relatable issues and someone I can't say I thought was very likeable at times for a variety of reasons. I thought that Ruby was so adorable and I loved the interactions between the little girl and Kaitlin's parents Jayne and Richard. The plot covered various parenting and relationship styles from loving and supportive to controlling and abusive and contained a number of characters who were untrustworthy and concealing their true natures behind various different masks.

My stand out favourite was DI Adam Diaz who was the officer in charge of the investigation into Zoe's disappearance, a case that had more dead ends than a maze and multiple threads which reached back through time into the past.

At the start of the story there was chapters that were written from the perspective of Zoe which gave the reader a insight into her life,character and opinion on the relationship between Kaitlin and Greg. She couldn't help expressing her concerns about the speed in which things had escalated between the couple but was Liz worried because she knew how badly Kaitlin had been hurt in the past. Were Liz's concerns about Greg justified or was she simply jealous of her friend's happiness due her own disastrous relationship history?

In my opinion, Sheryl Browne is one of the undisputed queens of the psychological thriller genre,her stories are consistently well written, cleverly plotted reads and The Invite is no exception. Her characterisation of the various individuals who appear throughout the story are distinctive and believable. I was placed into a heightened mix of anxiety and anticipation by the opening prologue and the levels of tension intensified as the story unfolded and worked it's way towards its intense and unpredictable conclusion. I was so captivated by the various plot twists and turns that I was compelled to read the whole book in one sitting. Another brilliant addition to this talented author's catalogue of incredible thrillers and very very highly recommended by little old me

Loved this book! The twists, the turns, it kept me on edge the whole time! This was my first Sheryl Browne book and it did not disappoint. I was very shocked by the ending!

OMG there is so much going on in this book it’s hard to work out how to even start this review. For such complicated lives though it is easily readable down to the talent of Sheryl. Her characters are always so fully fleshed out, seemingly ordinary on the surface but you know there is always much more to them than meets the eye.

Here we have main characters Kaitlin, her new partner Greg and her best friend Zoe who has just fled from Portugal. This is definitely a case of three’s a crowd and after Zoe relays her suspicions regarding Greg it escalates in to an argument with her storming out of the party and then going missing…

With exes from all directions, overlapping pasts and one of their mutual friends being on the police investigation team, Sheryl has thrown everything into this book including the proverbial kitchen sink. The women are just the right amount of trusting that you can understand their actions without too much eye rolling. The plot has you thinking one thing and then another and is ideal for readers that like playing armchair detective.

But as always with Sheryl’s books the pièce de résistance is that final reveal. It makes me rewind my reading thoughts right back to the start to see what I missed and where I went wrong.